Trackside fire delays thousands

Tens of thousands of rail commuters suffered delays and disruption today as firefighters tackled a blaze at a factory backing onto tracks near Lewisham.

Connex was forced to close North Kent lines coming into London Bridge, Charing Cross and Cannon Street. The lines from Dartford and Gravesend are among the busiest in the UK.

Services were redirected into Victoria but with long delays as trains stacked up. London Underground also had to close the New Cross to Surrey Quays section of the East London line.

Severe disruption lasted throughout the morning peak period.

A spokesman for Network Rail said seven lines originally had to be closed down although three reopened at 8.30am.

The fire in the factory was made all the more serious because of a number of gas canisters believed to be stored there.

The tracks were closed to allow firefighters access to the tracks and embankment which enabled them to direct water jets down onto the burning factory.